Rearranged Automated Keratometer for Newborn Infants and Patients in the Supine Position

To measure corneal curvature in newborn infants and patients in the supine position, we rearranged an automated keratometer, dividing it into two parts, the power unit and the measuring system. The measuring unit was mounted on a universal stand. We observed no difference in measured value between the sitting and supine positions and no difference in maneuverability. We also examined the effect of a speculum in normal adult subjects in the supine position, in which both the strong and the weak radii and the axis of astigmatism were slightly affected. However, there was no significant difference in the mean values of the strong and weak radii of corneal curvature in 22 eyes of infants with corrected gestational ages of 37 to 43 weeks. The examination was carried out with ease. The mean value of corneal curvature was 7.05 mm and the range was 6.63 to 7.74 mm.